Forum of NGO and CBO in their meet at Bali agreed to stay in closer collaboration through a wiki.

Prof. Egil Bakka created this wiki for NGOs accredited as adviser to UNESCO Convention 2003. The wiki is adding members while getting several good suggestions.

The forum had already started publishing an e-newsletter. With cloud-based space for discussions, sensitive issues will find better resolution.

Thanks to Eivind Falk, Wim an Zanten, Amareswar Galla, Carmen Padilla and others for their contributions to this initiative.

In its endeavor to introduce the concept of Safeguarding ICH practices, Madhukali has been in contact with members of several communities. It is with a sense of fulfillment and joy that we acknowledge success. The musician communities of Rajasthan have fared a whit better than their counterparts as a result of projection and promotion of the state as tourist destination of India. Several f them have been fortunate in taking their art to distant lands. Suraj Bhopa is one such, who through collaboration with Italian singer Andrea Camerini, has toured widely and made his singing style visible to the world. Yet, it takes a community decision to plan survival and preservation of their cultural heritage.

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Madhukali congratulates all sensitive and concerned citizens for encouraging appreciation of our intellectual and cultural heritage. There are numerous ways that the mammoth task of preserving seeds, if not fruits and flowers, of traditional knowledge rooted in warmth of harmonious nature-human relationship may be addressed. Recently Madhukali made digital release of four albums recorded on magnetic cassette tapes. Of the numerous live recordings of Vichitra Veena made by Dr. Lalmani Misra on magnetic spool tapes, three tapes have been digitally converted. The music would be made available soon.

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The young are creative. They are also curious. Access to information has been greatly increased by technology. This is just right for uniting all above for greater preservation and safe-guarding of cultural practices. Barry Schwartz, author of “The Paradox of Choice” suggests ‘gentle nudging’ and empathetic curation to reduce paralysis from excess of choice. This ‘parental wisdom’ already exists in traditional practices. The website of  UNESCO is a great resource of cultural practices across the globe that have been included in Representative list. Ms Cécile Duvelle, Secretary of the Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage explains essence of the convention.

The criteria referred to in the video-clip form the very basis of UNESCO’s Convention 2003.

The Director-General of UNESCO, Irina Bokova has endorsed recommendations by the International Advisory Committee of the Memory of the World Committee to inscribe 45 new documents and documentary collections from all over the world on the Memory of the World Register, which now numbers a total of 238 items. The recent newsletter reported this observation of Ms. Bokova,

By helping safeguard and share such a varied documentary heritage, UNESCO’s Memory of the World Programme reinforces the basis for scholarship and enjoyment of the creative wealth and diversity of human cultures and societies.

Educators, activists and enthusiasts have only to get the youth interested in a single Intangible Cultural Heritage practice in their region; their energy would do the rest. There are ample examples of individual mandate contributing to strength of collective. It only needs a little effort to bring information to their notice. The multimedia web service of UNESCO provides rich resource on its website.

Technology has helped in capturing and preserving works of art and artistic practices that relied solely on oral tradition in past. An engine of democracy it has empowered people in many ways. Ever since Hemendra Mohan Bose imported the phonograph machine that Edison invented in 1898 and Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore recorded Bande Mataram in his voice, a sample of Indian Classical Music has been archived — not always the best, experts might claim, but the far and few recordings made are indeed helpful. In the late sixties as analog tapes found a commercial channel in sleeker cassette tapes, the recording companies began to release Indian Classical Music on this media too. Late seventies saw cassette technology become affordable and soon less media-savvy musicians too got a chance to have some of their music recorded. The professional recordings of established music companies were in time converted to digital music but the smaller albums self-published or released by small entrepreneurs are on verge of extinction. Understandably, a part of such music might not measure up to strict standards, yet it allows representation to the individual practitioner and probably to the form and content of his output. Digitization of knowledge and practices is being carried out at all levels. The reclusive stalwarts and budding artistes whose presentations were recorded on analog spool and cassette tapes ought to be credited for their contributions. This would also enlarge the database of Indian music recordings and bring to fore some forgotten bandish or difficult Raga that is no longer practiced.

Madhukali invites proposals from artistes, heritage workers, museum and music industry experts for digital preservation of Indian Classical Music.

Proposals may be for private analog recordings or limited release public recordings on cassette tapes.

Interested parties may send their proposals to ich at madhukali dot org.

In the Fifth Session of the Intergovernmental Committee (5.COM)  at Nairobi a decision was taken to focus attention and garner support at all levels for Safeguarding of ICH practices by celebrating the year 2013 as tenth anniversary of the Convention.  Madhukali plans to organize events in spirit with the Convention. Suggestions for holding activities relating to music, dance and other arts that encourage appreciation, continuance and strengthening of  ICH practices may be sent to ich at madukali.org.

Call for Papers

.

Madhukali announces

Annual Omenad Conference 2010

Art as Vehicle of the Intangible

A three day ICH Conference on  Art as Vehicle of the Intangible in collaboration with

Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya, Bhopal.

On

31st December 2010 – 2nd January 2011

Read the Preamble.

The papers may address the central issue of artistic expression / creation as vehicle of intangible truths in any three of the following areas.

Context of Art. (Theory) Examination of fundamental concepts and manner / mode of transference.

Language of Art. (Practice) Demonstration of manner by which the intangible is sustained within practice; incorporation of intangible in technique of art-form in question.

Life and Art. The need for enjoyer (the Rasika); discovering intangible in the temporal and material; essence of art vis-a-vis contemporary tastes.

Art in India is believed to be an aesthetic embodiment of social reality determined through canons of philosophy. In the first decade of twenty first century, technology, political systems and media have influenced process and essence of thought itself. Does absence of human interaction (using recorded music instead of live orchestra) still sustain essentials of Indian classical dance? Is the ideal of sublimating artist’s self in his art unreachable? Are abstractions like honesty, duty, envy, disdain more concrete than intangible? Can music or painting express them? How can an art-form be the vehicle of something it can not express? What – if any – is the right way to respond to artistic expression?  There are far too many questions than answers.

Call for papers:

Research papers are invited from practicing musicians, dancers, artistes, sculptors, litterateurs, aesthetes and scholars. The paper should be focused, annotated and follow MLA style (The MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers, seventh edition). Copy of unpublished / personal material referred to, in print or recordings, should be sent in support. An English version of paper should also be sent.

India is rich in cultural heritage and is host to numerous practices that have survived for centuries. A large number of agencies are actively engaged in keeping arts and other practices vibrant. However, at all levels the threat to these practices can be felt. Further, there is a large number of those activities which have not received any patronage so far having survived on their own merit up to now. The need for identification of such practices is urgent as is the necessity of charting plans to ensure their continuity.

Madhukali plans to invite academics, bureaucrats from various cultural academies, NGOs, leaders of community practitioners and interested individuals as first level facilitators. As most of them are already associated with cultural practices, they would gain a new viewpoint regarding their activities. Understanding the concepts of Safeguarding they would give us the first list of cultural practices within their domains along with degree of danger to these practices and possible action plans. This shall bring into public domain the state of ICH practices in India.

In the two day workshop-cum-conference a part shall be devoted to explaining the concept, possible lines of action, the process of nomination and evaluation. As exercise the participants might list cultural practices and even suggest plans for action. To motivate genuine commitment and creation of network, experts from various countries shall present case studies of similar practices of their countries, which have been inscribed on Representative List of UNESCO.

Eligible persons may apply to ich at madhukali.org to ascertain their participation. All participants shall have to bring a description of at least one traditional practice with supporting text, graphic, audio or visual material and be ready to present a plan for preservation / promotion of same. To gain better understanding they may consult the kit on intangible cultural heritage,  developed through the generous support of the Government of Norway. Composed of 7 brochures and fact sheets on 12 safeguarding projects, it is a basic reference and pedagogical instrument for promoting and ensuring an effective understanding of intangible cultural heritage and the 2003 Convention by governments, communities, experts, concerned UN agencies, NGOs and interested individuals. It can be downloaded from UNESCO website on ICH

Abu Dhabi. October ^2nd, 2009

Fourth Session of the Intergovernmental Committee

for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage

Abu Dhabi, Sept – Oct. 2009

Common statement of NGOs[1]

Thank you Mr. Chairperson.

I am Cristina Amescua and I am here to speak on behalf of some 30 NGOs recommend for accreditation, that for purpose of time I shall not mention, their names are on a document available outside, I’d like to sincerely thank our hosts for their warm and generous hospitality. We also want to thank all and each of the members of the Intergovernmental Committee and the Secretariat for their important contribution to the implementation of the convention.

Of course, diversity is what characterizes us: we come from northern and southern organizations. Some of us have been part of the process of the 2003 convention for several years now, but also, some of us are new. We represent organizations that work at the international level as well as others whose realm of action is national and local. It is important for us to include both NGOs and CBOs of the Developing countries. For this we are aware of the capacities we have within ourselves, we think our diversity is our best asset and we want to enhance it.

Safeguarding Heritage: Participants at 4COM, Abu Dhabi

We have extensive knowledge and important networks so we can contribute to that. We can add value and also be strategic partners in the challenge of keeping this democratic convention in motion and help the tasks of the Committee and the Secretariat.

We also believe that our involvement can and must go beyond the examination of nominations, for instance, as facilitators in an effort to attain regional balance in civil society representation. In doing so, we can also serve as an interface between UNESCO and the communities at the local level.

We are aware that our level of involvement has to be one that the State Parties feel comfortable with. In order to perform efficient and effective work we need some basic conditions to be fulfilled: some of them are up to us and can be built by ourselves through our already existing capacities, but for some others we need to work jointly with the committee and the secretariat. As enabling factors we suggest the following:

1. In order to enhance the NGO regional balance we look forward to the creation of virtual space for debate, using technological resources in a creative way to ensure that we can continue to build and strengthen the engagement of civil society for the Convention. We request the Secretariat to establish a web based e-group or platform where all NGOs and community-based organizations can also join, and share information, work experiences and activities. In this regard it would be really important to create for the Committee Sessions, a real life internet broadcast. This enables NGOs and community-based organizations that cannot, for whatever reason, attend the next sessions, to communicate live with the entire meeting.

2. We would like to hold a one day forum prior to each Intergovernmental Committee meeting, in order to put the virtual meeting place into a real one and collaborate more closely. This will go a long way to empowering those attending the sessions for the first time.

3. We need State Parties to let us know what is expected from us, and what is actually entailed by accreditation.

4. We want to take an active role in the examiners meetings, so we can offer our experiences and insights and knowledge as practitioners and academics.

This is why the willingness of our hosts today to provide the funding for our participation in this meeting is so important. We therefore urge the organizers of the next sessions to follow this example, thus guaranteeing that all organizations can be part of these important debates, especially from developing countries.

Today October 2, on the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, we recall in this regard his inspiring words “Be the change you want to see”

Thank you Mr Chair.

[1] Association de Nasreddin Hodja et du tourisme, Association nationale Culture et Traditions, Centro UNESCO de Melilla, Chambre des Beaux Arts de Méditerranée, Craft Revival Trust, Extra Moenia, Goa Heritage Action Group, Human Heritage – La enciclopedia del patrimonio cultural inmaterial, ICOM, ICOMOS, ICTM, IDAST, Int. Organisation of Folk Arts, International Social Science Council, Int. Society for Ethnology and Folklore, Korea Cultural Heritage Foundation, Madhukali, Mediterranean Diet Foundation, MUSA, Norwegian Crafts Development, Repriz, SIMBDEA, Tamilnadu Rural Arts Development Centre, The Archival platform, Traditions for Tomorrow, UNESCO Centre for Catalonia, World Crafts Council, World Martial Arts Union, www.appennino4p.it

Abu Dhabi, September 28^th, 2009

On the second day of the five day conference, the discussions regarding approval of draft prepared for inclusion of NGO-s in the UN meetings was taken up. State party India requested a change to remove ambiguity about the actual role and stressed that clear funding should be mentioned for organizing workshop in less-represented regions. The secretary pointed out that this was a welcome suggestion only if modalities of finance could be worked out. Estonia came up with the suggestion that mere involvement with UNESCO convention in its regular meetings would not empower the NGO-s already engaged in the safeguarding of intangible culture. Instead, workshops should be organized for them where NGO-s can meet each other, discuss their methods, concerns and aspirations. Such interaction would definitely be more interesting and useful. Korea endorsed this idea and said that it would ensure wide spread reach of the primary objective. Central Africa came forward with the suggestion that state parties should take up the cause for promotion of the convention by translating it into local languages. It was also pointed out that these workshops should be organized at regional levels and held at countries different from UN head quarters.

4COM in progress

People’s belief in the routine nature of life fosters the fallacy of everything being universal and in vogue. The highly educated people involved in ideas at international level sometimes take their concerns for granted. Kenya drew attention to the fact that technical knowledge required to interact with the UN secretariat was not with many NGO-s apart from lack of other resources and therefore it becomes necessary to support them. Italy agreed with the suggestion and remarked that such workshops should be organized in countries rich in tradition of safeguarding intangible heritage. India should help developing nations for participation in these. Once again attention was drawn to the fact that simple modern conveniences should not be taken for granted for making universal policies. South Africa said that the task of safeguarding the heritage was naturally done by the traditional communities. Despite proficiency in their task they lacked the structure of a modern organization. The level of dedication and understanding with which they perform can rarely be achieved by a structured NGO. Still, these practitioners and cultural leaders should be granted the opportunity to understand the concerns of UN. However, instead of academics discussing the issues in a theoretical manner, actual cultural practitioners should exchange their experiences. In Africa there should be five such workshops, one for each of the regions, where grass-root workers of the region make an exchange which is productive and relevant. Peru endorsed this suggestion stating that region wide workshops were better equipped to reach out to local NGO-s and culture practitioners. Croatia thanked the hosts U.A.E. and the UN and agreed with the suggestions.

Mexico, carrying the discussion forward, proposed that first a main conference should be held where issues that were germane to visibility and safeguarding cultural heritage be explained so that discussions at regional conferences would retain continuity and similarity. It was also pointed out that this issue is of great interest to everyone. Agreeing with Kenya, Belarus said that in certain countries the NGO-s have no motivation, apart from little technical skill and money, to seek legal status. Kenya, at this, intervened to agree with Zimbabwe and Mexico and added that resource persons for these conferences / workshops should be drawn from those countries only which have accepted the 2003 convention and follow it in true spirit.

In truth, the ideologue and grass-root worker are so far apart that mediators are required to establish communication between the two. Often, the thought gets modified or deformed. One state party pointed out that the legal / technical language was often far beyond the understanding of simple culture practitioner. Even the literate person available to such a practitioner lacked the technical acumen to supply the information sought. It was suggested that questionnaire or forms should be made simpler to ensure better participation. Involvement of regional experts for capacity building activities would ensure superior results.

Many state parties expressed concern at the way local culture is being eroded. Panama said that the excessive use of technology was fast removing traditional practices and hindered the process of safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage as well as its practice. Technology, as they say, is double-edged sword. The time it saves in labour is used up in enhanced routine activities – cell-phone, internet, television, commuting. The real problem behind neglect of traditional practices is not merely a change in people’s attitude but the loss of free time and hurried pace of life. People still wish to stay connected to such practices but no longer have time for its practice or appreciation. Their efforts to keep such things current pose an added threat, as being pressed for time they abridge the practices to retain merely the form while shunning the real essence.

Brazil gave a measured input summing up the existing situation and stressing upon the need to hear, understand and encourage the community NGO-s who are closest to traditional practitioners of culture. Where formal NGO-s are yet to exist, the academic or cultural bodies of experts created by government should be utilized for safeguarding intangible practices.

Secretary of the Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage informed that venue for workshops are yet to be finalized and state members can send their proposals soon. The draft 4COM 10 at this juncture reads:

The Secretariat of the Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage shall organize workshops for NGO-s in unrepresented regions aimed at facilitating the contribution of NGO-s from developing countries, in accordance with Operational Directives and to report to the committee at its fifth session on the result of these workshops.

With this approval the pathway for active participation of grass-root workers and community practitioners in gatherings designed to further the cause of safeguarding intangible cultural heritage has been established. This spells a new era in the area of cultural preservation.